Kelly Galluzzo spread the message to businessmen and area leaders Thursday. The organization had been assessing the needs of the region in the wake of former executive director Mark Williams's departurein June to become the economic development manager for the city of Rockford.

She said the agency's goals moving forward include:

n Increasing exposure of the region to market to potential and current investors. That includes spreading messages on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and email.

n Attracting businesses by having data readily available to prove why it's smart to set up shop in the area.

n Retaining businesses by approaching projects on united front with municipalities. Staff will offer tools to help businesses grow.

n Providing workforce development resources to ensure people remain competitive and educated in their field.

"We are working to become the voice of the community... the place to call home," Galluzzo said.

Board of Directors President Dick Van Evera said he is excited to see the new direction the agency takes under Galluzzo's leadership. Not only has she had eight years of experience working for the organization, but she has close ties with Rockford's economic development sector through Williams.